Tiffanie from Bonnie, IL

09/25/2011

Reviewer is A current student here.

1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
3 of 12

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Comments

Bang for the buck

I feel like I am learning a lot while going here. I am going here for two years, then transferring to a four year university to save money. I feel like the classes are the same as the university classes, only smaller, and they cost less money.

Am enjoying being here

It is a small town school, with great teachers and staff. The people there plan great events for the students to get out and get to know one another.

Am learning a lot

I really like this school because the classes are small, so the students are able to get the help in class that they need.

Angela from Opdyke, IL

03/28/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
4 of 12

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Campus Safety

Very safe the cops here are very friendly and keep an eye out. I have two night class and I know when I'm going home I will be OK they are out and about. I also work on campus and if I need something all I have to do is call them and they are right there.

Food and Dining

Uncle Joe food is the best here in INA.

Dorm Life

I live in a town close by I don't live in the dorms.

Tips for prospective students

Take Mr. Meek he is the best

In three sentences

I love the college the teachers are great. I have done very good here. With I could get my bachelors here.

They have an RLC Fun fest every year which is like an on campus carnival. Also nearby they have the polar plunge where participants plunge into the icy lake in the middle of winter, raising money for the Special Olympics and programs alike.

Bang for the buck

Rend Lake is a VERY affordable college. I have know many of my friends who went off to expensive four year colleges only to have them return not even a year later to attend Rend Lake. The staff and programs available are an amazing deal for the education you get out of it.

What to do for fun

Rend Lake has many sports available to students. They provide a recreational center including a pool and a basketball court. The location is near the actual rend lake where boating, swimming, fishing, water sports and other recreations can be enjoyed nearby.

Food and Dining

There is an on-campus Subway Restaurant and at times a local barbecue restaurant has a cart available, but if not they are less than one mile away as is a McDonald's

Dorm Life

There are around 10 on-campus apartments available to students, although being a community college most live at home or on their own.

Academic Rigor

In my experience with Rend Lake's nursing program they expect ALOT out of their students. You will find no leniency is given. You work hard...you do well. They had a 98% board pass rate and the last two years it has been 100%

Tips for prospective students

Talk To a counselor as soon as possible. Get your finincial aid in order before signing up for classes (get your fasfa filled out!) Be realistic about what kind of goals you want to reach, and the amount of work you are willing to put into reaching them.

In three sentences

Rend Lake College is a small intimate almost one on one experience in every class that I have had. Teachers are passionate and most every department is more than willing to get you where you need to go. Academic Advisors are VERY helpful in planning for your choice career.

I've heard the apartments are accommodating, but personally I do not know.

Academic Rigor

Pretty challenging but very helpful!

Tips for prospective students

Know what major you want or area you want to strive towards.

In three sentences

Rend Lake has a small campus but great opportunities! It has a tightly knit campus community with faculty and staff that will help you in any way they can. The classes are very helpful to guide you on your walk in life.

It's good for students just wanting to get generals out of the way and then go to a university.

Bang for the buck

It's not a bad price considering it's a community college.

What to do for fun

This is a college out in the middle of a corn field, literally. There isn't a whole lot to do but meet new people and become friends.

Food and Dining

All we have is a McDonalds and a Subway. You can of course drive about fifteen minutes and have a good choice, but that's only if you get a longer break.

Dorm Life

I'm not even for sure if they have dorms, if so it's very limited and not a lot of people stay there.

Tips for prospective students

Don't be afraid to ask the professors questions! They are willing to help you there.

In three sentences

The professors here are nice and willing to work with you if you need extra help. Everyone seems to be friendly. The downside is it's a really small community college, so if that's not your thing then it probably isn't for you.

Paige from Benton, IL

There is a club for everyone and everything and if there isn't you can make one.

Great for these types of students

Gleeks out there our drama club and theater members are a lot of fun and put on entertaining events.

Bang for the buck

You get what you bargain for. There are various clubs you can be a part of if you speak up and ask, there are plays and musicals to see, every holiday invites something new. If there is anything you are interested in making on campus, such as a club or organization, chances are you can.

What to do for fun

It's Southern Illinois. There are theaters to attend, bowling alleys, golfing, horseback riding, and any other Southern fun you can think of.

Food and Dining

The only food site currently on campus is Subway. Down the road is a gas station connected to a McDonalds with a Barbecue place next door. That is the only bummer.

Dorm Life

The only housing on campus is for athletes. However, there are apartments in the cities located by Ina.

Academic Rigor

It all depends on your major and what course load you take on. However, the professors test your knowledge and your capability. They are able to do it in a way that challenges you and makes you bring out the potential you didn't know you had. Don't pick morning classes if you're not a morning person. You may end up late a lot and missing some very important class discussions.

Tips for prospective students

It is in a small area so be prepared for that. Agriculture and mining are a big deal here since it is Southern Illinois. Always look to guidance counselors and/or STARS faculty to help you out with whatever you need. Your first time adjusting from high school to college shouldn't be scary and it doesn't have to be. Rend Lake is all about your success and fitting in just nice.

In three sentences

A very friendly and close-knit atmosphere. Teachers are down-to-earth and open your mind to learning to experiences. I felt my talents were challenged to the best of my ability.

Communications Major/Music emphasis

02/22/2014

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Clubs and Activities

Thespians - this is the comedy improv acting group on campus and I personally LOVE it. The best thing about Thespians: it's all done on the spot! The actor/actress has the freedom to create any situation/character/world they can possibly think of! Acts are similar to the games played on the hit TV show, Whose Line Is It Anyway?

Bang for the buck

You definitely get every dollar worth out of your time at Rend Lake College.

What to do for fun

There are two pool tables and a couple of ping-pong tables in the Student Center, which contains a television (w/ cable) as well. The gym is open to use, most of the time, as are the aquatics center and cardio/weight room. Outside, there are multiple driving ranges for golfing purposes. Do you sing? Rend Lake College has a Choir and holds an annual musical in the Spring! Don't sing, but would like to play an instrument? Then Band is the place for you! Traditional Concert Band instruments are played, with the additions of keyboard and electric guitar! Finally, acting and theatre are more alive than ever at RLC with the Fall Play and the Thespians, a comedy improv group. There is much to do for fun at Rend Lake College. In fact, you may just find yourself having the time of your life!

Food and Dining

RLC does not have a cafeteria, but the Student Center does play home to Subway. Nearby food choices are a McDonalds and two locally owned restaurants, the Bonnie Cafe and Burton's Cafe.

Dorm Life

I am not sure about On-Campus housing since I commute to RLC.

Academic Rigor

Those in the Music Program easily have one of the busiest schedules at Rend Lake College, and the music room, along with the six, individual practice rooms, provide more-than-adequate accommodations for the participants. In the History department, students are required to write full essays for their tests, while still participating in multiple-choice tests. In the Communications field one is able to get a firm grasp on the art of communication, whether it be in Speech class, Interpersonal Communication, or another communications course

Tips for prospective students

Join a campus organization! College is what you make it; make the most of it by getting involved! Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone; if you want to try out for the Spring Musical, do it!

In three sentences

Small-town, but with a good, homey feel. Once on-campus and involved with campus organizations, the sense of community can really be felt. Teachers love what they teach, and it is easily seen after the first day in class.

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